Author name: Don Palladino

Rogue Judges Skip Senate Hearing as Scrutiny Intensifies into Controversial Rulings
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Rogue Judges Skip Senate Hearing as Scrutiny Intensifies into Controversial Rulings

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Two federal judges declined invitations to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing scheduled this week titled “Impeachment: Holding Rogue Judges Accountable.”

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg and U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman both informed the committee they would not appear.

Judge Boasberg, appointed during the Obama administration, has been the subject of criticism from Republican lawmakers following his ruling that blocked the administration’s attempt to deport Venezuelan nationals under the wartime Alien Enemies Act (AEA).

The administration sought to remove individuals linked to the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua.

In his ruling, Boasberg found that the mass deportation effort lacked due process, citing the absence of precedent for invoking the AEA against illegal immigrants during peacetime.

Boasberg has also faced scrutiny regarding the FBI’s Arctic Frost operation.

The operation involved subpoenas for phone records and other data affecting Republican senators and GOP lawmakers who were examining 2020 election matters.

Boasberg approved related legal processes, including the use of gag orders.

In a statement posted on X, commentator Mike Benz outlined several charges he said could be considered by Attorney General Pam Bondi in connection to Boasberg’s role in Arctic Frost.

One charge listed was “Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law (18 U.S.C. § 242),” with the allegation that issuing a gag order deprived senators of notification required under 2 U.S.C. § 6628 regarding legal requests for Senate data.

The statement asserted this raised issues involving the Speech or Debate Clause and separation of powers provisions.

Judge Boardman, based in Maryland, issued a nationwide injunction in August 2025 blocking the administration’s order addressing birthright citizenship.

The injunction halted implementation of a directive that sought to change automatic citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.

In September, President Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the matter.

“The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to review the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, pushing the issue back before the justices for the second time this year,” CNN reported. DOJ Solicitor General John Sauer wrote in the appeal, “The lower court’s decisions invalidated a policy of prime importance to the president and his administration in a manner that undermines our border security. Those decisions confer, without lawful justification, the privilege of American citizenship on hundreds of thousands of unqualified people.”

Former DOJ official Tom Dupree commented on the situation in remarks reported by the Tampa Free Press.

Dupree told Fox News Live, “I can promise you that the last thing in the world they would want to do… is answering questions under oath from United States Senators.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing is proceeding without testimony from either judge.

Crowds Gather Outside Manhattan Court as Luigi Mangione Appears for Pretrial Hearing
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Crowds Gather Outside Manhattan Court as Luigi Mangione Appears for Pretrial Hearing

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Dozens of supporters gathered outside a Manhattan courthouse Monday morning, lining up in freezing temperatures for a chance to see Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old Maryland native accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Midtown sidewalk one year ago, as reported by The New York Post.

Some attendees wore outfits resembling the Luigi character from the Super Mario franchise, continuing a pattern seen at each of Mangione’s court appearances over the past year.

Mangione, who comes from a wealthy Maryland family, has drawn sustained attention from a group of followers who routinely attend his hearings. Court officials said crowds began forming hours before the scheduled appearance.

One supporter, Jonathan Garthrelle, 36, from Jamaica, Queens, said he attended because of concerns about how defendants are treated.

“We are living in a time of rampant human-rights violations. We’re seeing it left and right. If they can violate the rights of an attractive white male, what hope do the rest of us have?” he said while waiting outside.

Another attendee, 29-year-old personal chef Jasmin Flores of East Harlem, said she spent $150 on an Uber to ensure she arrived early.

“It’s important for me to be here because he’s innocent,” she said. Mangione has been recorded on surveillance video near the crime scene and was later found with the firearm prosecutors allege was used in the killing.

Several supporters said they were unable to get inside the courtroom due to limited seating. Tickets were distributed to those in line, and the cutoff was set at 24. Alexa Modugno, 35, of Manhattan, said she missed the threshold.

“I was two tickets away,” she said. “I’m just here to support Luigi and fight against stigma against mental-health issues.”

Mangione has gained a substantial online following, and supporters have raised more than $1.3 million toward his legal expenses.

Some who have aligned themselves with his cause claim they have been mistreated by the U.S. health-care system.

Trucks displaying billboards with the names and photos of individuals described by supporters as victims of the industry were expected to appear outside the courthouse Monday.

The hearing comes as Mangione’s defense team seeks to prevent prosecutors from presenting certain evidence to jurors.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office intends to introduce items seized during Mangione’s arrest on Dec. 4, 2024, at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Those items include a 9mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the weapon used in Thompson’s killing, as well as a notebook in which Mangione allegedly outlined plans to “wack” a health-insurance executive.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges. Additional pretrial proceedings are expected as both sides prepare for trial.

‘This isn’t a Lone Wolf… Obama is Still in the Mix’: General Mike Flynn
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‘This isn’t a Lone Wolf… Obama is Still in the Mix’: General Mike Flynn

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General Mike Flynn and Steve Bannon used a recent “War Room” segment to link the Afghan shooter incident to what they described as a broader, coordinated effort targeting the United States.

The discussion centered on their view that the event reflects an ongoing “color revolution” directed by figures they named as former President Barack Obama and former CIA Director John Brennan.

Flynn said his reaction to the shooter’s background immediately raised concerns for him.

“My first thing was, when I heard about where this guy came from, I was like, Oh my God, this guy was this isn’t a one off. This isn’t a lone wolf. This is an intentional design to start a basically an internal, physical component of what I call this color revolution. And this is just one among many that I think that we’re we should expect to see.”

Bannon pressed Flynn on who he believes is directing the effort.

“You’re saying the date was chosen, or this guy was was used for color revolution, one, tell the audience, what do you mean by that, and who’s in charge? Who? Who’s draw in your best thinking, who’s driving this color revolution against the people and the sovereignty of the United States?”

Flynn pointed to events that he said trace back to the Obama administration.

“Yeah, I think that right now, and we have to really take a hard look at what happened all the way back to 2016 under Obama. And I think that Obama is still in the mix, mix here. I think the operational commander on the battlefield here in the United States of America is John Brennan. I just believe that. I mean, that’s my gut.”

He said the effort involves what he called an international coalition.

“I call it the Axis of Resistance. The Axis of Resistance essentially consists of communists, both that are emanating from the CCPs control, but also communists inside of our country.”

Flynn referenced voting patterns in Congress as an example and said foreign and domestic groups are working in tandem.

He expanded the list of groups he believes are part of the structure.

“So you got communism, you’ve got Islamism, you’ve got you’ve got these Narco cartels, these these terrorist groups that are also part of this. It’s not just Hamas and Hezbollah, it’s FARC and it’s the cartel Del Sol.”

He said the organizations have people directing actions and cited written doctrine he has reviewed.

Flynn linked the concept to events overseas.

“When we talk about color revolutions, that’s what’s going on over in Ukraine, that total loser war that I keep talking about. We have to get the hell out of there.”

He said the United States must ensure that executive orders issued by President Trump are carried out fully.

He urged a more assertive approach inside the government.

“Trump signs all these executive orders. Who’s checking to make sure these things are actually put being put into effect, all the way down to the lowest levels, right?”

Flynn said his military experience informs his view.

“Lawyers advise, leaders decide. And so Donald president, Donald J Trump, you need to make a decision. Now, listen to your lawyers, but make a decision.”

Flynn said Trump should bring in leadership from across federal agencies.

“Get your team, whether it’s CIA DNI, sect, war, you know, sex, state, sec, commerce, I don’t care, get them all in and tell them, and especially the Secretary of Homeland Security.”

He tied the shooter case to what he called a long-running campaign.

“The essence of a color revolution is a in this case, for the United States of America. This is a long period of time that this has been going on. They kicked it into higher gear when Trump won in 2016 and then they’re balls to the walls right now.”

Flynn said the shooter was acting with intent.

“This is not some guy who’s a loony bin. No, this guy is extremely well trained. He is a soldier of the left. Okay? He is a soldier of the movement to destroy the United States of America.”

He listed the forms of conflict he believes are underway.

“We are seeing economic warfare being played against us. We’re seeing cyber warfare.”

Flynn referenced commentary from researcher Mike Benz and said political interference is another component.

He pointed to what he described as a domestic movement in Virginia.

“Most people, Steve, don’t know about what’s called the new I wrote it down here, the new Virginia majority, right? There’s a name Tram Nyan (spelling?). Nyan, new Virginia majority. This is a communist movement inside of the United States to make sure that they get as many people that are communists running at the local level, school boards on up.”

Flynn also said cultural and religious tensions are being manipulated.

“Within the color revolution, you have what’s called contrived cultural shifts. And that’s this whole Islamification OF THE UNITED STATES OF. America in different places of the country.”

He cited locations in Florida, Dearborn, and Houston as examples.

He concluded with a warning about ideological conflict. “Islam is not compatible with Christianity and Sharia law is not compatible with constitutional law. We cannot have either.”

WATCH:

Oregon’s Lesbian Governor Threatens to Prosecute Federal Agents for Enforcing U.S. Immigration Law
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Oregon’s Lesbian Governor Threatens to Prosecute Federal Agents for Enforcing U.S. Immigration Law

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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a proud lesbian (not that it matters, but she put it in the first paragraph of her website’s about section), said the state will investigate and potentially prosecute federal agents who carry out immigration enforcement actions inside Oregon.

Governor Tina Kotek, ‘the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.’

In a video posted to Instagram, Kotek accused the Department of Homeland Security of using improper tactics and said the state would take legal action if federal officers violated Oregon law.

In her statement, Kotek said the state supports public safety while also maintaining what she described as a welcoming environment for immigrants.

“I believe as you do, in the rule of law and keeping our community safe,” she said.

“We also believe in being a welcoming place, where our immigrant and refugee community help our state thrive. The ongoing violent actions of the federal Department of Homeland Security are unacceptable — going after Oregonians, and stoking fear in the name of ‘immigration enforcement.’”

Kotek said DHS had engaged in behavior she described as dangerous to the public.

She said the tactics used by federal officers were inconsistent with the state’s approach to law enforcement.

“Excessive force, reckless tactics,” she said, had “put bystanders and law enforcement in danger,” which she said was “not how public safety works.”

The governor said Oregon would take steps to scrutinize arrests, detentions, and other actions carried out by federal agents.

“Oregon is monitoring all ICE actions closely,” Kotek said.

“We will investigate misconduct, and if a federal officer breaks Oregon law, they will be held accountable — just like anyone else. I will not tolerate reckless, or unconstitutional behavior in our state.”

Kotek has previously criticized federal officers deployed in Oregon during periods of unrest.

In an October interview with CBS News, she accused federal agents of escalating encounters with protesters in Portland and said local law enforcement should take the lead in managing demonstrations.

“[T]his set of demonstrations that are happening are managed by local law enforcement, as they should be,” Kotek said at the time.

“People have the right to lawfully protest, but if they cross the line, they are being held accountable. If criminal activity occurs, they are being held accountable. This is what free speech looks like, and I believe the federal government can continue to do the work right here.”

Kotek’s comments come as federal immigration enforcement remains a point of conflict between state officials and the Department of Homeland Security.

Oregon has previously limited cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Trump Doubles Down on Calling Tim Walz ‘Severely Retarded,’ ‘Something Wrong with Him’
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Trump Doubles Down on Calling Tim Walz ‘Severely Retarded,’ ‘Something Wrong with Him’

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President Donald Trump reaffirmed comments he made last week in which he referred to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democrat vice presidential nominee, as “severely retarded.”

The president addressed the subject Sunday while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Palm Beach to Washington, DC.

A reporter asked Trump whether he stood by the term he used in his Thanksgiving post on X.

Trump replied, “Yeah, I think there’s something wrong with him. Do you have a problem with it?”

He continued, “I think there’s something wrong with him … Anybody that would allow those people into a state and pay billions of dollars out to Somalia. We gave billions of dollars to Somalia — it’s not even a country because it doesn’t function like a country. It’s got a name, but it doesn’t function like a country. Yeah, there’s something wrong with Walz.”

In his Thanksgiving post, Trump wrote that the nation’s “refugee burden is the leading cause of social dysfunction in America, something that did not exist after World War II,” and cited Minnesota as an example.

He said, “As an example, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota.

Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for ‘prey’ as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone.”

Trump continued in the same post, describing Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

He wrote, “The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both, while the worst ‘Congressman/woman’ in our Country, Ilhan Omar, always wrapped in her swaddling hijab, and who probably came into the U.S.A. illegally in that you are not allowed to marry your brother, does nothing but hatefully complain about our Country, its Constitution, and how ‘badly’ she is treated, when her place of origin is a decadent, backward, and crime ridden nation, which is essentially not even a country for lack of Government, Military, Police, schools, etc…”

Trump also wrote that he “will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover.”

Walz responded Sunday during public remarks.

He said it was “a badge of honor” to be insulted by the president.

The exchange comes as national debate continues over immigration policy, refugee resettlement programs, and public safety concerns cited by both state and federal officials.

The comments from Trump and Walz were the latest in a series of public statements between the president and prominent Minnesota political figures, including ongoing disputes related to immigration enforcement and state-level refugee policy.

No further statements were issued by the White House or the Minnesota governor’s office following the president’s remarks aboard Air Force One.

Marines Hit Retention Goals Ahead of Schedule, Officials Say
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Marines Hit Retention Goals Ahead of Schedule, Officials Say

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The U.S. Marine Corps announced it met its fiscal 2026 retention goals weeks after the target window opened, signaling strength and disciplined execution from the service.

Commandant Gen. Eric Smith noted in a video produced in October and released after the government shutdown that the effort was achieved “earlier than ever before.”

This outcome appears to be a direct reflection of steady leadership and a policy environment aimed at strengthening readiness.

Because the Corps has faced stubborn shortages in critical skill sets, these gains are being described as more than a routine milestone; they are a demonstration of a force prepared to meet a rising set of demands under a President who has prioritized a capable fighting force.

At the same time, Smith reminded viewers that the job is not finished, because a handful of military occupational specialties remain open for interested Marines.

Smith’s message was reinforced by Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz. He urged “qualified Marines who still have the desire to serve … to pursue lateral move opportunities into our critical need MOSs.”

The emphasis here is not simply on staying, but on moving into roles that ensure the Corps can surge capabilities when needed. These opportunities, the video explained, are part of a broader effort to balance talent with the service’s most pressing requirements.

A MARADMIN released earlier this month listed several options, and the message stated that “lat move” requests will be “processed on a case-by-case basis and … subject to school seat availability.”

The precise list includes Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist (0211), Reconnaissance Marine (0321), Critical Skills Operator (MARSOC) (0372), Influence Operations Specialist (1751) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (2336), among others.

These identifiers are not merely numbers; they represent the Marines’ growing emphasis on filling specialized roles that support national security in a complex environment.

The directive shows a willingness to adapt and to place talent where it is most needed, which aligns with a national strategy aimed at maintaining overwhelming superiority.

“There are also outstanding opportunities in the reserve component through the Direct Affiliation Program and the active reserve,” Ruiz added in the video. This remark underscores a broader scope of opportunity beyond the active force, ensuring continuity and depth within the Corps as a whole.

It also reflects the administration’s emphasis on leveraging reserve components to sustain readiness without overburdening the active ranks.

Smith and Ruiz closed by urging leaders to prepare Marines for reenlistment with an eye toward fiscal 2027. The emphasis on long-term retention signals a sustained approach to building an enduring force, not just short-term gains.

The administration, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has publicly supported a policy framework designed to ensure that the United States maintains a credible, modern, and ready military.

The emphasis on keeping experienced Marines in uniform echoes the broader push for resilience in the face of a dynamic security environment.

Beyond the headlines on retention, the Marine Corps also announced targeted incentives to bolster its ranks.

In addition to retention goals, the department highlighted program adjustments for the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Retention and Affiliation Bonus Program.

Selected Reserve personnel in ranks E-4 to E-6 were made eligible for one-time pay bumps for remaining in specific job specialties. Corporals, sergeants and staff sergeants with select MOSs can receive up to $20,000 lump-sum bonuses upon extending service in the SMCR for 36 months, according to a Nov. 19 memo.

Marines in those ranks are eligible to serve terms of 12 and 24 months, with corresponding bonus payments of $5,000 and $10,000, respectively.

The broader impact of these measures is evident in the recruiting data released in September, which showed the service had exceeded its most recent active-duty and reserve enlisted recruiting goal by a single person, bringing in 30,536 Marines across those components.

Officials at the time noted that the close-call total was a credit to the service being more selective of who it recruits. The combination of targeted retention incentives and selective recruiting marks a deliberate strategy to strengthen the Marine Corps at a moment of intense global competition.

This approach has drawn praise from leaders who view it as essential to maintaining America’s edge, especially under a leadership team that has consistently prioritized a robust, ready force capable of defending national interests.

In the end, the latest numbers are more than just statistics.

They reflect a disciplined trajectory toward a stronger, more capable force that can meet the challenges of an evolving security landscape with resolve and clarity.

Racist Serial New York Spitter Gets a Heavy Dose of Street Justice with Viral Beating
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Racist Serial New York Spitter Gets a Heavy Dose of Street Justice with Viral Beating

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A man identified by social media users as 45-year-old Anthony Caines, who was arrested in November for allegedly spitting in the faces of white women in Williamsburg, was shown in a video being beaten by two unidentified men.

The footage circulated online and appeared to show Caines on a sidewalk outside a hair salon on Sixth Street.

The video, which did not include a timestamp, showed two men striking and kicking a man curled on the ground in a defensive position.

The attackers’ faces were not visible.

The man on the ground appeared to match photos of Caines from his recent arrest.

In the footage, the two men laughed as they kicked him and stomped on his legs.

Caines could be heard crying out in pain during the assault.

The video then cut to a close-up showing a large gash on his forehead above his left eye.

Blood ran down his face as the men gave him a warning.

“Stop violating these females out here, you heard?” the man recording said.

“We’re tired of that sh*t. You’re making us look bad.”

Caines responded, “I went to jail, didn’t I?”

One of the men replied, “F**k jail — we’re worse than jail,” before striking him again.

Caines was arrested by the NYPD on November 13 following reports that he repeatedly spit in the faces of white women walking past him in Williamsburg.

Court records obtained by The New York Post said he pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated harassment based on race or religion.

He was released the following day with an ankle monitor.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has said it is seeking additional victims who may not yet have made reports.

Caines’ alleged spitting incidents drew extensive attention earlier in the month, prompting investigators to request that anyone targeted contact authorities.

The NYPD said it did not receive a report regarding the assault shown in the video.

Investigators have not confirmed when or where the beating took place, and no arrests related to the recorded assault have been announced.

Stephen Miller’s Wife Katie Takes on CNN’s Abby Phillip in Heated ‘Nazi’ Exchange
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Stephen Miller’s Wife Katie Takes on CNN’s Abby Phillip in Heated ‘Nazi’ Exchange

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Conservative podcaster Katie Miller challenged “CNN NewsNight” host Abby Phillip on Friday, arguing that Phillip allowed a guest to call her husband, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, a “white supremacist.”

The exchange began after former Democratic South Carolina State Rep. Bakari Sellers discussed white nationalist Nick Fuentes being interviewed by Tucker Carlson.

Katie Miller, who served in the Trump administration, responded after Sellers questioned her directly.

“Are you okay with Nick Fuentes?” Sellers asked.

Miller replied, “Here we go. I’m a Jew. Do you want to go there? And let’s say this— ”

Sellers continued pressing the question.

“Yes, I just asked the question. It was ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Are you okay with Nick Fuentes?”

Miller answered, “If Nick Fuentes wants to be able to speak freely in our country, he has every right to do so. Do I agree with his views? … Absolutely not.”

Phillip then entered the discussion as the back-and-forth escalated.

Miller turned her focus to the host, saying, “You host people on your show all the time who call my husband and myself a Nazi.”

Phillip began to respond, saying, “That is a different thing, by the way, that— ” before Miller interjected.

“Excuse me, you have Jennifer Welch on your show very often and you’ve never pushed back as she has called my husband a white nationalist,” Miller said.

Welch, a left-leaning podcast host and former reality television figure, labeled Stephen Miller a “white supremacist” and a “Nazi Jew” during Phillip’s October 23 appearance on Welch’s podcast, “I’ve Had It.”

Phillip did not challenge Welch’s statements during that episode.

The exchange continued, with conservative panelist Scott Jennings and Miller both describing Fuentes’s views as “hateful.”

Miller returned to her original criticism. “Let’s go back one more time,” she said.

“Nick Fuentes can espouse an opinion on Tucker’s show and he didn’t push back, the same way you didn’t push back when someone called someone in my family a Nazi.”

The discussion also referenced prior incidents involving the Millers.

The couple moved from their home in Arlington, Virginia following repeated acts of targeted harassment.

Messages such as “Stephen Miller is destroying democracy,” “no white nationalism,” and “trans rights are human rights” appeared on public sidewalks near the residence.

Flyers listing the home address were also posted.

The segment ended without resolution between Miller and Phillip, with both maintaining their positions regarding on-air responsibilities and guest commentary.

 

Riley Gaines Cooks Democrats’ ‘Insane, Ridiculous, Harmful, Destructive’ Trans Stance
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Riley Gaines Cooks Democrats’ ‘Insane, Ridiculous, Harmful, Destructive’ Trans Stance

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Former college swimmer Riley Gaines is renewing her criticism of Democratic lawmakers over what she calls a misleading narrative surrounding the participation of transgender women in women’s sports, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Gaines discussed the issue during a recent appearance with Fox Business anchor Stu Varney, where she argued that Democrats are not being forthright about how many of their own voters oppose current policies on transgender athletes.

Gaines, one of the most visible advocates for banning transgender women from competing against biological women, told Varney that the political framing around the issue does not reflect what she sees among voters.

“This is an issue that has, unfortunately, become totally partisan – at least in terms of elected representation and certainly how the media represents this,” Gaines said.

She continued by challenging the idea that the public is evenly divided.

“The way they frame this, it’s very 50/50. Again, very polarizing. That’s just simply not the case, even amongst the Democratic Party or their voters,” Gaines said.

She referenced claims by media outlets that the issue is “an 80/20 issue [overall]” but argued the divide is wider.

“I would argue it’s even more drastic than that, I believe that even 80 percent of the Democratic Party… does not support the insane, ridiculous, harmful, destructive idea that men can become women or that men can get pregnant or that tampons belong in boys’ bathrooms or that women need prostate exams or that men should be in women’s sports.”

Polling does not match the “80 percent” estimate Gaines cited.

A Gallup survey released in June found that 69 percent of Americans believe transgender athletes should only be allowed to play on teams that match their birth gender.

Among party lines, 90 percent of Republicans agreed with the statement, compared to 41 percent of Democrats.

While the number among Democrats is notable, it falls well short of the figure Gaines asserted.

The same Gallup poll also asked about the broader issue of transitioning. Seventy-one percent of Democrats said transitioning is “morally acceptable,” compared to nine percent of Republicans.

Gaines has become one of the most prominent activists opposing transgender participation in women’s sports, often referencing her experience sharing a locker room with former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas.

Since leaving collegiate swimming, she has become a regular contributor to Fox News and hosts a show with the conservative sports outlet OutKick.

Her advocacy came under renewed scrutiny last month after former ESPN journalist and current podcaster Pablo Torre published an investigation into her work.

Torre suggested that Gaines had embarked on a “grift” and questioned why she had not publicly spoken out about other issues facing women in sports.

He specifically pointed to her lack of public criticism of her former University of Kentucky coach, Lars Jorgensen.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport ruled in October that Jorgensen is “permanently ineligible” to coach after findings related to sexual violence, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

Gaines dismissed the report, calling it a “baseless hit piece,” adding, “[A] six-month ‘investigation’ for that? To find out I have a job that pays me? Ground-breaking discovery, truly.”

Minnesota Judge Overturns Medicaid Fraud Verdict Despite Jury’s Quick Guilty Decision
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Minnesota Judge Overturns Medicaid Fraud Verdict Despite Jury’s Quick Guilty Decision

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A Minnesota judge has overturned a jury’s guilty verdict in a Medicaid fraud case involving a Minneapolis man and his wife, a decision that could affect additional fraud prosecutions in the state.

The ruling comes amid a series of ongoing fraud investigations connected to programs including Medicaid, Feeding Our Future, and state housing initiatives.

State investigators presented evidence that the couple, identified in court as Yusuf and his wife, operated what was described as a “home health company” from a mailbox address used by multiple similar companies.

Prosecutors also introduced records showing tens of thousands of dollars spent on luxury items. A jury found both defendants guilty after approximately four hours of deliberation.

The verdict was reversed by Hennepin County Judge Sarah West. Defense attorney Joe Tamburino, who was not part of the case but reviewed the decision, explained the basis of the ruling.

“It’s reversing or overturning a jury’s verdict,” Tamburino said.

He said Judge West concluded that the state’s case relied “heavily on circumstantial evidence” and did not “exclude other reasonable, rational inferences.”

“That, in fact, there could’ve been other reasonable theories other than guilt in this case. That’s what it comes down to,” Tamburino said.

Judge West wrote that she was “troubled” by the fraud presented in the case but determined the evidence did not meet the legal threshold required to uphold the convictions.

State Rep. Kristin Robbins, chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Oversight Committee, said she was “stunned” by the ruling.

She said the case highlighted gaps in current law.

“We want to strengthen state law so that we can get prosecutions out of these cases,” Robbins said.

“Because clearly a jury thought he was guilty.”

Members of the jury expressed similar reactions.

Jury foreman Ben Walfoort said he was “shocked” by the decision to overturn the verdict.

“I’m shocked based off of all of the evidence that was presented to us and the obvious guilt that we saw based off of said evidence,” Walfoort said.

“It was not a difficult decision whatsoever. The deliberation took probably four hours at most.”

“Based off of the state’s evidence that was presented, I was beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has filed an appeal seeking to reinstate the convictions.

Judge West previously worked as a public defender and as a transaction manager at Barclays before being appointed to the bench.

The case is one of several developments arising from fraud investigations involving public programs in Minnesota.

State officials have reported large-scale fraud in multiple systems, including Medicaid and Feeding Our Future, with related cases involving allegations of improper payments, shell organizations, and money transferred out of the country.

Federal and state agencies continue to pursue active investigations, and lawmakers have held hearings examining oversight procedures.

The appeal filed by the Attorney General’s Office will move to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where judges will review the record and determine whether the trial court appropriately applied the legal standards governing the reversal of jury verdicts.


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